The Town Hall conference room was tightly packed as resident James O’Dowd was back in front of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen on Wednesday, February 15 to request approval on a license application to construct a two-acre aquaculture farm in Nasketucket Bay. Mr. O’Dowd originally submitted his application for the oyster farm in December 2009, but was met with considerable opposition by Mattapoisett residents. The process has been so protracted due to the drafting of new regulations by the Marine Advisory Board, which the Board of Selectmen deemed necessary before approving the grant.
Mr. O’Dowd presented the Board with a revised location for his intended farm, one that is further out from the coastline of the State Nasketucket Reservation. Selectman Paul Silva began the hearing by reading aloud the cover letter of a recent report by the Marine Advisory Board, which found Mr. O’Dowd to be in compliance with applicable regulations. Similarly, Selectman Jordan Collyer read aloud the letter from Harbormaster Horace Field, III, concurring with Mr. O’Dowd’s adherence to the bylaws.
This continued hearing, which has had its share of contentious moments over the past two years, was well attended but few in the audience asked questions when the floor was opened.
Seeing no conflict with Mr. O’Dowd’s current proposal, the Board of Selectmen voted to accept this plan, pending the outcome of a benthic survey to be conducted by the Department of Marine Fisheries. The survey would determine the best location within the chosen coordinates for the oyster farm.
In other business, Selectmen heard from Allen Decker of the Buzzards Bay Coalition and Gary Johnson of the Mattapoisett Land Trust regarding the preservation of the Old Aucoot area of town. In their plan, the Land Trust would purchase 307 acres for general public use, in particular light recreation. Development on the land would be extremely limited, but would include boardwalks crossing over very wet areas of the preserve, the installation of a well to revitalize a popular blueberry grove, the construction of unpaved parking, and a 12 by 10 foot storage shed. The plan was approved by the Conservation Commission on Monday night. The Board of Selectmen voted to accept the plan.
They also heard from Bruce Rocha, Jr. who requested to use 150 acres by the landfill for two motorcycle events this year. Mr. Rocha is a member of the motorcycle club — the Plymouth Sands Trail Riders — a non-profit organization of off-road motorcycle enthusiasts that donates about $12,000 to $15,000 each year to various charities.
Mr. Rocha requested to hold a race in April and November, over a two to three mile stretch of trails near the landfill. In exchange for the town’s cooperation, he said the club would make a donation to Mattapoisett, to be determined from the parking fees they will collect. The Board unanimously approved the plan.
In addition, they appointed William Hubbard and Walter Reed to the Marine Advisory Board and COA Director Jackie Coucci as a member of the Tax Relief Committee.
The Board also discussed changes to beach rules and parking fees, a request for proposal specifications for a boat launch service, town legal services, expanding handicapped access for town facilities, and the acquisition of a trailer for the Harbormaster’s boat.
The Board also voted to sign the Peg Access Agreement for ORCTV in conjunction with Marion and Rochester. Under the agreement, 30 percent of the money generated from Mattapoisett cable subscriber franchise fees will go to Mattapoisett providing its own local government-related programming to its residents. Both Marion and Rochester use ORCTV to film government meetings.
The next meeting of the Board of Selectmen is Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.